What the federal government is doing: The federal government is investing money to protect Great Lakes habitat and to restore previously polluted or degraded habitat. Click here to see the programs that work together to prevent and control habitat destruction in the Great Lakes.

Ongoing Need: States such as Ohio have lost up to 90 percent of their historic Great Lakes wetlands—critical habitat that provides a home for wildlife, filters pollution, and helps prevent flooding. More work needs to be done to restore habitat that is the foundation of the region’s outdoor recreation—as well as a critical component of protecting drinking water quality and helping prevent stormwater runoff.

Impact of Budget Cuts: Habitat restoration would drastically slow down, undermining outdoor recreation opportunities and reducing water quality gains. Businesses that rely on excavation work or other restoration labor would see a drop in revenue. Gains made over the past eight years could begin to be lost.